Edmonton Oilers vs Seattle Kraken Picks and Predictions January 27th 2025

Connor McDavid Set to Make Return for Oilers vs. Kraken

After serving a three-game suspension for cross-checking Conor Garland of the Vancouver Canucks, Connor McDavid is set to return for the Edmonton Oilers when they host the Seattle Kraken on Monday night.

McDavid, a three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner and five-time NHL scoring champion, made the most of his time away by putting in extra hours on the ice at practice.

“I love to play. What am I going to do? I’d rather be on the ice than sitting at home resting,” McDavid said. “It’s not like I can get a week away in Cabo, so I’m here.”

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With the 4 Nations Face-Off break coming up, McDavid is focused on helping the Oilers finish strong before the pause.

“I want to support the team. I want to be here for the team. I want to be here to get myself ready to roll when it’s time. I’ll have six games before the break, and we want to go into the break on a high note.”

Oilers Find Success Without McDavid

Despite missing their biggest star, the Oilers went 2-1-0 in his absence:

• 3-2 loss vs. Washington Capitals
• 6-2 win vs. Vancouver Canucks
• 3-2 win vs. Buffalo Sabres

Though Edmonton fell to league-leading Washington, they bounced back impressively against Vancouver and Buffalo.

Forward Zach Hyman reflected on the team’s resilience despite missing their captain:

“I thought we probably deserved to win the Washington game, the Vancouver game, and then this one probably not,” Hyman said after the Buffalo win. “So, it all evens out, right? That’s kind of how things work in hockey.”

Against the Sabres, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored twice, including the go-ahead goal in the third period, while goaltender Stuart Skinner made 39 saves to help the Oilers secure first place in the Pacific Division for the first time since Dec. 21, 2021.

“Obviously, it is our goal to keep racking up points and get as high as we possibly can,” Nugent-Hopkins said. “There’s a long way to go and obviously the job’s not finished here.”

Kraken Look to Keep Momentum

The Seattle Kraken will be playing their only road game in a 10-game stretch, having just wrapped up a 3-1-0 homestand.

Seattle capped that stretch with a 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, bouncing back from a 3-0 shutout loss to Washington.

Goaltender Joey Daccord was solid in net, stopping 28 shots, including all 13 he faced in the third period.

“I try to just be the same every day,” Daccord said. “I know if I just play like myself and play like I’m able to, then I don’t need to elevate above what I’m capable of at a consistent level. So I just try to bring the same mindset, the same focus, same energy levels every single day.”

Seattle’s power play also came up big, as defenseman Vince Dunn scored the game-winning goal on a five-on-three advantage late in the second period.

Jared McCann, who leads the Kraken with 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists), provided two assists in the win.

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“We just played with a little bit more confidence (than against Washington),” McCann said.

What to Watch For

• McDavid’s return – How will he impact the Oilers’ offense after his suspension?
• Goaltender duel – Stuart Skinner vs. Joey Daccord, both playing strong hockey.
• Kraken’s road test – Can Seattle keep their momentum going in their only road game in this stretch?

With McDavid back on the ice, the Oilers aiming to stay atop the Pacific, and Seattle fighting for playoff positioning, expect a high-energy battle in Edmonton.